What is In-Home Care?

Whether you're interested in having someone come for just a one-hour visit, or you're in need of live-in care, In-Home agencies may be your answer. They can provide assistance for individuals with changing personal care needs or those with dementia-related issues, without requiring a change of living situation.

The first thought many people have when In-Home care needs arise is, I'll find someone that can live with Mom/Dad and exchange rent for their services. Although this trade of services was common twenty years ago, it likely won’t work in today's economy. People with dementia rarely need someone just to live in their home—they need a great deal of personal care and a diligent eye—many times 24 hours a day.

The next thought may be, I'll place an ad in the paper and hire a caretaker for $10 an hour. The problem with this option is that you've now started your own, parttime business. Operating a business requires training, supervising, paying taxes, etc; which is not an option for most people.

What are the alternatives?

The option thousands of families are choosing is arranging care through an in-home care provider. In our area there are different levels of providers ranging from nonmedical chore-type staff to skilled, professional providers. Prices range from $15 $135 an hour, based on the skill set of the agency, the benefits the agency is paying their staff, and the types of services you need provided. Rates also vary based on the regularity of scheduling and amount of coverage you desire.

Types of In-Home Care

• Home Health Agencies
  These agencies must be licensed by the State of California, and are defined as providing professional health services primarily for a client at a residence. These providers may be Registered Nurses, Licensed Nurses, therapists or other health care providers that offer health care assistance. These individuals provide hands-on care, including nursing tasks. They are primarily engaged in providing skilled nursing and other therapeutic services on a part-time or intermittent basis.
• Home Care Agencies
  These agencies provide non-medical assistance, helping older adults with almost all of their activities of daily living. They provide bathing assistance, medication reminders, assistance with toileting, dressing, grooming and other personal needs. They may also provide housekeeping, cooking and other chore-related services. Agencies that employ their staff, rather than working with subcontractors, are likely to charge a bit higher hourly fee to cover employee taxes and possibly benefits.
• Chore or  Services
  They provide little or no hands-on care. Chore providers may perform household duties, run errands, cook, or serve as a companion to an older adult.

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